How (not) to lock off a lighting circuit

[ccam108]

In our church we have a company in to replace the light fittings in the main hall (existing ones were original '70s).

They started today so I popped in this evening to see how they got on. Here's what I found.

Untitled

• ccam108
• 14 Dec 2009
• 1

Untitled

• ccam108
• 14 Dec 2009
• 2

This is how they had locked off the power to the (bare-ended) lighting cables coming from the ceiling.

The thing is, these fittings are on a dedicated circuit... which was on at the DB!

Surely not too safe in a public building?

Colin C

 

[333rocky333]

Quite a common occurence i'm afraid.

See //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=205016

 

[ColJack]

to be fair though, you'd have to be up the scaffolding AND have someone turn the switches on to get a shock...

 

[1john]

arguabally the public shouldn't be in there during the work taking place

 

[ccam108]

Unless the live was to touch the scaffolding...

And the church is open to activities every night other than Wednesdays, this hall tonight for a band practise. At least I've rigged a couple of 500W floods on the truss for house lights that will do us.

The sparkys should have at least chock block and taped the ends.

 

[FDJ]

I have serious doubts about the competence of your contractor.

Frank

 

[Spark123]

They're nuts!
I take it they haven't a clue that splitting neutrals might cause one of them to become live to phase voltage hence the reason we need to isolate (and make secure) the entire circuit.